I really wanted to make something similar to a Native American Squash Blossom necklace, but I wanted to use my own goddess flowers. I just happened to notice on the day I was setting the last stone that they looked a lot like the cherry blossoms that had just opened up that day.
Sakura is the Japanese word for these flowers. They have a special meaning in Japanese culture. The flowers as they bloom and billow in mass are symbolic of clouds and the transience of fleeting beauty into death
Sakura Blossom Necklace: sterling silver, copper, and andamooka opal cabochons set with ant hill garnets in the center.
I have used similar flower motifs for pendants, but I had never used them all strung into one necklace like this. The main difference is the cabs used in the center of the flowers. I used an Andamooka rainbow matrix opal with a green/blue iridescent glow to them, and contrasted that with some very red ant hill garnets that were tube set in the center of each. This created a push-pull visual tension.
To further add contrast and tension to the work, I used a combination of copper and sterling. I like to use lots of details, but I also like to leave lots of tool marks. To me, this leaves a record of the maker and adds to the handmade feel to the work. I very rarely ever use a high polish, because as soon as I get a high polish all of the elements of the world start to break down this finish, showing every scratch and nick. So, I just start with a texture, and allow the effects of the world to work in harmony with what I have created instead of working against it.
In boiling cupric sulphate and rokusho patina
I also bring out all of these textures, marks, and record of having been made with patinas. I started with a combination of cupric sulphate and rokusho which acted only on the copper, by giving it a deep earthy brown color. Then I used a liver of sulfur patina to gray down the silver. To bring back out the some of the metal and give it a very surreal glow, I lightly buffed it with charcoal. Then, to seal it, I gave it a layer of Renaissance Wax.
I have to give my daughter some credit for cutting out the shapes in metal for me. It keeps her busy, and better than TV.
I used a top from a Sharpie marker over one side of my mandrel pliers to make consistence circles for my bezels.
The coolest part about facebook is that there are so many lapidaries and metalsmiths from Ganoksin and elsewhere on there that we can have a lot of fun on our fanpages, posting pictures from the bench while we are working. Here are a few more that I posted while this was in project. It’s always a lot of fun giving and getting feedback while I’m at the bench. I already work behind a big glass wall where people can watch me work, like a studio in a fishbowl. So, having my iPhone at the bench takes the fun and puts it online. It’s also great for generating interest in what I am doing.
I hope you enjoyed the post. Please feel free to comment, or just add me from my studio’s facebook page. Thanks!!!
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow ! What an awesome project and beautiful tribute to the Sakura Blossom !
Michael and Vicki, a most humble thank you.
However, I am still identifying weaknesses and trying to improve. Time is my enemy on the larger projects.
Thanks again :o)
Bravo, Michael! Veeerrry nice!
From the heart: WOW! Very impressive.
Thanks Jess,
If I don’t put the kids to work, they end up watching TV or playing video games. And, every time they complain, I get flashbacks of my dad making me do the same, ha! What goes around comes around :o)
Plus, they are coming up with some great ideas for their own designs lately. It keeps me pushing harder, so they won’t pass me on skillz.
Jerry, No, if I understand core drilling, you use a special bit that removes a center section of stone. I just used a diamond coated ball bur to make the initial hole. And, then I used a piece of copper wire with diamond pasted to gently bring the hole to shape and size for the tubes to be riveted in. My first two attempts at riveting, I learned how not to set these rivets, LOL. But, it went smoothly after I recut the stones and took my time.
Did you core drill the opals to set the garnets? Nice looking necklace.
You did a fabulous job with this piece Michael. The Andamooka matrix opal accents the flower forms beautifully! It’s great to see all of your in-process photos. How cool that you involve your kids in your projects!
I always enjoy your Facebook posts too:) Looking forward to seeing the next pieces you make with the Andamooka!!